The EPA's Precarious Pivot On Climate Change

The United States' climate policy is facing a critical juncture as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) takes aim at a crucial rule that underpins federal greenhouse-gas regulations. The endangerment finding, established in 2009, is a landmark decision that has enabled the EPA to regulate climate change. This rule, rooted in the Clean Air Act of 1970, empowers the EPA to address new pollutants that pose a threat to public health and the environment.

The Clean Air Act, a pioneering legislation, not only identified specific pollutants like lead and sulfur dioxide but also mandated the EPA to regulate emerging pollutants. The endangerment finding has been instrumental in shaping climate regulations in the US, allowing the EPA to set standards for vehicles, power plants, and factories.

Its significance cannot be overstated... as it provides the foundation for the EPA's authority to mitigate climate change. The proposed change, announced by EPA administrator Lee Zeldin, has far-reaching implications for the country's climate policy. If implemented, "it could undermine the EPA's ability to regulate greenhouse-gas emissions," "potentially jeopardizing the nation's progress in reducing its carbon footprint." The stakes are high... and the consequences of inaction are dire.

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According to experts at the Natural Resources Defense Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental protection, "repealing or weakening the endangerment finding would be a devastating blow to the EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse-gas emissions." The organization's senior attorney, David Doniger, notes that "the endangerment finding is a critical component of the EPA's climate regulations, and any attempt to undermine it would have severe consequences for public health and the environment." Similarly, the Environmental Defense Fund, "another prominent environmental organization," emphasizes that "the endangerment finding is a cornerstone of the EPA's climate policy... and any changes to it would put the nation's progress on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions at risk." These concerns are echoed by scientists and policymakers who stress that a strong and effective climate policy is essential for mitigating the worst impacts of climate change.

US Climate Change Policy

The urgent need for a comprehensive climate change policy in the United States has sparked intense debate among policymakers, scientists, and environmentalists. As the country with the largest carbon footprint, the US has a critical role to play in mitigating the effects of climate change. A well-crafted policy would not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also drive innovation, create jobs, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

However, the complexity of the issue and the lack of consensus on the best approach have hindered progress, leaving the US vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change.

One promising strategy for reducing emissions is the adoption of clean energy technologies, such as solar and wind power. These renewable energy sources have become increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels... making them an attractive option for powering homes, businesses, and industries.

In fact, "many states have already set ambitious renewable portfolio standards," "which have led to significant investments in clean energy infrastructure." However, a comprehensive national policy is still needed to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and ensure that the benefits of clean energy are equitably distributed.

The economic benefits of a robust climate change policy are substantial... with estimates suggesting that a transition to a low-carbon economy could create millions of new jobs and stimulate trillions of dollars in economic ← →

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This story is part of MIT Technology Review 's "America Undone" series, examining how the foundations of US success in science and innovation are currently under threat.  You can read the rest here . The mechanism that allows the US federal government to regulate climate change is on the chopping block.